The Illusion of Heroism

How medals and honors are awarded for destruction and cover-ups, not genuine bravery.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Ferrara medal

The Cover-Up The Second Run Yossarian goes around twice and destroys the bridge, but Kraft is killed. Cathcart and Korn give him a medal to hide the loss. The Meaning The medal is not for bravery but for public relations. Heroism is a tool for the commanders. The Irony Yossarian is a hero for doing what he had to do. He feels no pride.

The naked formation

The Absurd Ceremony The Naked Man Yossarian stands naked to receive his medal. General Dreedle is amused. Cathcart is horrified. The Contrast The ceremony is absurd. The medal is meaningless. Yossarian's nakedness exposes the emptiness of the honor. The Message Heroism is a charade. The system rewards those who play along, not those who are truly brave.

The deal's heroism

The False Hero The Offer Cathcart and Korn will send Yossarian home a hero if he cooperates. They will fabricate press releases. The Choice Yossarian can be a fake hero or a real deserter. He chooses the latter. The Truth True heroism, in this world, is refusing to participate. Yossarian's escape is his only heroic act.

After the Ferrara mission

When Yossarian receives his medal from General Dreedle

When Yossarian is offered a hero's send-off